The success of Harry Potter not withstanding, it is a bit difficult – for someone brought up as a religious rationalist – to believe in witchcraft. Not that I don’t know people who don’t.

I have an aunt who told me that her side of the family came to severe trouble after someone put a hex on them. And she wasn’t the uneducated type but a Masters in Economics and a Communist to the boot. I have a friend who has done “shanti” for a child his wife lost in a miscarriage – and whose soul was still disturbed and “haunted” their home. In both cases I smiled a ” of course I understand” smile, while smirking inside. Because in this day and age if you believe in witch craft – then well…..

So today when in my travels through the WWW, I read about a woman in South Africa – Miyi Shongi – who claims that she is being followed by a hail of stones. And she doesn’t seem to be able to lose them. An exerpt from the story:

When the problem first began in Lombani, her family called the police for help.
“We were there for nearly the whole night and saw stones falling from the sky like rain,” said Vhembe police spokesperson Ailwei Mushavhanamadi. “We went around the area to make sure someone wasn’t throwing stones on the roof on purpose, but we didn’t find anyone.” Police then advised the family to consult with spirit mediums about the phenomenon.

Why is the lady being pursued by stones? Well, she believes a trader cast an evil spell on her, as she had failed to pay for clothing she’d bought from the trader on credit.

Funny. Truly funny – unless it happens to you! I wonder whether I can adopt a similar tactic with my company’s creditors!